Rakshabandan! And My Political Expertise

The rain has officially arrived. It is not much like rain in any other place. It just comes for an hour and floods the streets, then stops for a while, and then, of course, starts again. I do not understand how the animals can survive…. which is a very depressing aspect of my exchange. The dogs look much more like drowned rats than dogs during monsoon season, but the worst part is, nothing can be done about it.

After that happy note, hello again and welcome to another rant that probably gives me more enjoyment to write than anyone to read. (HAHA just kidding). Honestly though, I am so so so happy with the reaction I am getting from this blog and all the different people that still read it every week.

Starting with Rakshabandan. This week rakshabandan is celebrated on August 26th and is one of the three major festivals celebrated by all of India. Even though it is a Hindu festival, it is celebrated through all religions. (The secularism in India should be a model for America.) The holiday celebrates brothers in sisters. Sisters tie a string around the right wrist, as a symbol of protection and love. In return, the brothers give a gift of chocolate or money. (It is HILARIOUS to hear all the jokes about how the festival is just a front for the sisters in the Indian community.) A front or not, I enjoy as it is another excuse for me to wear my kurta.

Next, we are going to touch on the light and airy topic of American ignorance. I know, fun right! It is always a fun time when I get to tell people I am American. By fun…. I mean horrible. This week in political science we are touching on a chapter of USA unilateralism after the cold war and our operations/interference in the Middle East. After listening to the lecture and then subsequently verifying the information via the interwebs, I have concluded that American brainwashing and ignorance is just as extreme as some of the more radical places in the world. Learning about operation desert storm where we invaded Iraq in the name of “fighting terrorism” (also known as “we want Kuwait’s oil”). This stuff needs to be taught to ALL American students. I am all for helping developing countries and loosening the hands of prejudice for those held by them, but can we at least do it in a humane way that doesn’t have a money related background? I am grateful for all our American troops, but the people using them like pawns are a disgrace. Agree or not, we need to portray a better international image, because, like I said previously, people cringe when I tell them I am an American.

I wondered how long this would take……. I am officially out of things to write about. For next week, I want anyone who reads this to write a question in the comment box below about ANYTHING (exchange related). Or you can contact me directly. I will answer all the questions next week.

Sorry to be a downer this week. With all the political action in the U.S. something had to be said. But Happy Rakshabandan! Priya IF you read this have a good day sis. (SHHHH don’t tell her.)

I expect your questions.

My Rakshabandan string bracelets.